West Hudson Arts and Theater Company in Kearny stages 'Love Letters' this weekend

F or “Love Letters” stars Jim Hague and Mary Costello, the Kearny show will be art imitating life.

The real-life husband and wife will star as lovers who maintain a lifelong relationship through a series of epistles in the second production from the newly founded West Hudson Arts and Theater Company in Kearny.

Costello, who is best known as a Hudson County Superior Court judge, said that while she isn’t an actress by trade, her public speaking skills gave her an edge.

“Speaking in public to small or large groups isn’t easy. I have some facility with that,” she said.

“Acting is like being a trial lawyer,” the 52-year-old added. “Any time you get someone’s attention and captivate them in some way, whether you make them laugh or bring a tear to their eye, when you get them to listen to you and focus on what you’re saying, that’s really powerful.”

Her husband, on the other hand, has had more extensive acting experience despite his day job as a sports journalist. He once portrayed Mayor Frank Hague and also played mentally disabled doughnut shop worker Norman Bulansky in the Jersey City-based Attic Ensemble’s production of “The Boys Next Door.”

“I went outside and met some friends after the show was over and one woman said, ‘Oh my God, you’re not you’re not retarded? I could’ve sworn you were!’ ” said Hague, who was proud that his convincing act was well-received. “It was a wonderful show and I loved every minute of doing it.”

Both Hague and Costello, however, said they expected this show to be different from anything they’re done before. In the show, the characters go through an emotional journey through their letters.

“This play is a heart-wrencher, there’s a lot of emotion involved,” said Hague.

Costello agreed, but pointed out the sweeter side of the production.

“The fact that we’re real-life husband and wife makes it sweet and poignant for us and the audience,” she said, adding that while they haven’t exchanged letters in real life, Hague would sometimes leave her romantic notes under her windshield wiper.

“The characters are nothing like me and Mary at all,” said Hague. “We’ve had trials and tribulations, a lot of emotion, but the good parts are based on laughter and good times.”

Costello said seeing the lovers’ dramatic back-and-forth banter will impact the audience. “I think that the people will slow down,” she said. “It’s a stop-and-smell-the-roses kind of thing . . . Just let your relationships with people take their course.”

“Love Letters” will be performed March 9 at 7:30 p.m. and March 10 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Players Club, 12 Washington Place, Kearny. Tickets are $20, which includes a chocolate and champagne reception at 7 p.m. For more information, visit WHATco.org or call (201) 467-8624.